Parkland, Florida, School Shooting: ‘Numerous Fatalities’ Reported

Students and staff “heard what sounded like gunfire” near dismissal time around 2:40 p.m., according to the Broward school district.

“The school immediately went on lockdown but is now dismissing students,” the district wrote on Twitter. “We are receiving reports of possible multiple injuries.”

Dianna Milleret, 16, a 10th grader, heard the gunshots. “It was several loud sounds. I tried to stay calm. Students were running everywhere,” she said, on a street two blocks from the school.

Her twin, Deanna, is disabled and uses a wheelchair. She is still in the school, according to their mother, Anishka Milleret. “I am so worried because I haven’t been able to talk to her,” Ms. Milleret said.

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Emergency workers transporting a person from the school on Wednesday.Credit
WPLG-TV, via Associated Press

Noelle Kaiser, 17, was in history class when the alarm went off on Wednesday afternoon. The class was gathered and just outside the building when she heard three distinct gunshots.

“I am in shock,” she said softly after clutching her mother, Cheryl Kaiser, on the sidewalk. Ms. Kaiser had rushed from work in Delray Beach.

Noelle called her mother from outside near the edge of the campus to let her she know was safe around 2:50 p.m. “I was still so scared because the person had not been caught yet,” Ms. Kaiser said.

Parkland, an affluent suburb of Fort Lauderdale with a population of about 30,000, is known for its good public schools. Douglas High is among the largest in the Broward school district, with about 3,000 students.

“My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting,” President Trump wrote on Twitter. “No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.”

Mr. Trump has spoken to Gov. Rick Scott, said Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary. The governor’s office said Mr. Scott is heading to the school.